Recently, the Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog published a list of delivery dates for common types of gifts in an article titled “Date of Delivery for Gifts.”
Accordingly, here are the “dates of delivery” for commonly given assets:
- Securities – The day when hand-delivered or mailed via the U.S. Postal Service.
- Mutual Fund Shares – The day when the fund manager transfers the shares to the charity.
- Checks – The day they are sent in the mail, as long as they are not post-dated.
- Personal Property – The day the property and title are received.
- Real Estate – The day the deed is received or when it is registered, if required by local law.
- Credit Cards – The day a bank transfers the money to the charity.
To ensure your generosity complies with the tax law as falling safely within tax year 2014, or if you have any other questions about charitable giving, contact an experienced estate attorney sooner rather than later.
